The proposal can now go before the Mt. Juliet City Commission for final approval, which will need to pass two readings. Windtree Pines is expected to be on the agenda for first reading April 10, city officials said.

“The plan we are at now is significantly better than where we were when we first started,” said Mt. Juliet Mayor Ed Hagerty, also a member of the planning commission. “The planning commission did not want townhomes. I do think there is a market for townhomes in the city — nice townhomes — but this wasn’t the spot.”

Windtree Golf Course ownership is seeking approval to build homes as a potential option for the property, though co-owner Danny Hale said a decision to redevelop isn't yet definite.

Plans are to keep Windtree open for all of 2017, with a decision to move forward on building homes expected before the summer of 2018, according to Hale.

"We would have preferred to keep the condos because we believe that there is a market for senior buyers who need an affordable price point, but the planners did not think that should be included with our project,” Hale said. “As to the final number of units approved, that will weigh in on our decision whether or not to move forward with the project.”

The recommendation includes multiple traffic upgrades to Nonaville Road and the immediate area that could be discussed further by commissioners as they weigh final approval. The developer has committed to $1,500 per lot for traffic improvements according to Mt. Juliet Deputy Public Works Director Andy Barlow.

Traffic upgrades recommended include:

A roundabout at the intersection of Nonaville Road and the main access point of Windtree Pines

A second left turn lane on Nonaville Road onto Lebanon Road and a signal upgrade for the intersection

Upgrades to Sports Road

Other improvements to Nonaville and Sports roads to be determined through a traffic study.

The roundabout is being recommended as a safer alternative than a traditional intersection for the section Nonaville Road where the Windtree Pines entrance will be, said Barlow.

The roundabout would have an elevated area in the middle called a “truck apron,” Barlow said, that can service larger vehicle traffic.

“The advantage of a roundabout is that it eliminates right-angle crashes and acts as a traffic calming measure for the main road,” Barlow said. “Right-angle crashes are where the majority of injury and fatal collisions occur, so eliminating this conflict naturally results in a safer intersection.”

Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com or 615-726-5939 and on Twitter @ AndyHumbles.